What Is the Difference Between Standard Depth and Freestanding Refrigerators?

Types of Refrigerators

• Refrigerators typically fall into one of several categories. Side-by-side models feature a refrigerator and freezer of relatively equal size and shape. The devices sit next to each other and open in the middle. A French door model has a large refrigerator on top with double doors and a freezer drawer underneath that pulls out for access. Bottom-freezer or top-freezer models feature a design that has equal spaces for a refrigerator or freezer, but the freezer sits above or below the refrigerator.

Side-by-Side Dimensions

• Side-by-side refrigerators come in one of three options: freestanding, counter-depth or built-in models. A freestanding refrigerator stands against a wall or another spot in the room and is not attached to cabinets or any other features of the kitchen. The standard model is 36.5 inches or less wide, up to 70 inches tall and has a depth of just under 30 inches. The counter-depth model has the same width and height, but has a smaller depth of just 24 inches, as it fits in-between counters. The size of a built-in model can reach 84 inches high, 48 inches wide and have a depth of 25 inches.

French Bottom Refrigerators

• A French bottom refrigerator features a height of 68 inches up to 70 inches, a depth of just under 30 inches and a width of 33 to 36 inches on a freestanding model. A counter-depth model has a depth of 24 inches, a height of 71 inches and a width of 36 inches. Built-in models have slightly different dimensions, with a width of up to 48 inches, a height of 84 inches or less and a depth of over 23.5 inches.

Bottom vs. Top Freezers

• A top freezer refrigerator comes in a standard size of 28 to 36 inches in width, a depth of up to 28 inches and a height of 61 to 68 inches. A freestanding bottom freezer model measures up to 36 inches cross and up to 70 inches tall with a depth of just over 31 inches. A built-in model has a depth of around 24 inches, a height of 84 inches or less and a width of around 36 inches. The counter-depth models have a depth of 24 inches, a height of around 70 inches and a width of 36 inches.